Mark Scheifele a Game-Time Decision for Game 7 Against the Blues…
Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele is considered a game-time decision for Sunday’s decisive Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues in their first-round NHL playoff matchup. Scheifele took part in the morning skate on Saturday after missing Game 6 due to an undisclosed injury sustained during Game 5.
The Jets were without Scheifele during their 5-2 loss in St. Louis on Friday, which tied the best-of-seven series. Game 7 will take place Sunday night at Canada Life Centre.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel was optimistic about Scheifele’s return, calling his presence on the ice a positive sign.
“He’s feeling much better than he did yesterday,” Arniel said. “He wanted to test things out today, and we’ll see how he responds.”
Before exiting early in Game 5, Scheifele had posted six points (two goals and four assists) in the series. He was forced out after taking several heavy hits and did not return for the second period.
“He’s progressing and could be ready for Sunday,” Arniel added. “We’ll see how things go. In the playoffs, everyone has to step up, sometimes beyond what they’re used to. Hopefully that gives us the edge we need.”
Scheifele, who wore a tracksuit during Saturday’s skate, had an impressive 87-point regular season with 39 goals and 48 assists.
So far, the home team has won every game in this tightly contested series. The Jets rebounded in Game 5 following back-to-back road losses in which goalie Connor Hellebuyck was pulled both times. The Blues came roaring back in Game 6 with four goals in the second period, again forcing Hellebuyck out.
The Jets will look to benefit from their home-ice advantage and the energetic whiteout crowd at Canada Life Centre.
“It’s Game 7,” said Arniel. “Everything we’ve worked through during the season and this series has led to this moment. Now it’s time to go out and play our best.”
This marks the first time the Jets will host a Game 7. They’re currently 1-0 in such games, having defeated Nashville 5-1 in the second round back in 2018.
